Mosquito Misting

These darn mosquitoes are driving me crazy! Help!!

Hitman Pest Control gives you options for mosquito control for areas as small as 150 sq ft all the way up to 1/2 acre and larger.

These measures include: Back Yard Power Sprays; for that quick fix needed for that big party planned for the weekend– Usually requires two to three day notice.

Baiting / Traps — Devices that attract and either kill or trap mosquitoes and other flying insects–usually good for that small backyard patio used for outdoor gatherings.

Misting / Spray systems— Fully automatic self programmable systems installed in your backyard and around your home ranging in price from $180 to $5000 providing coverage for areas ranging from 150 sq ft to 1/2 acre or more.

Following are U.S. EPA frequently asked questions, guidelines and information:

What you can do to control mosquitoes around the home

1. Remove their habitat (where they live and breed)

• Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where mosquitoes can breed.
• Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.
• Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.
• Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating.

2. Prevent your exposure to mosquitoes

• Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely.
• Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes.
• If there is a mosquito-borne disease warning in effect, stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.
• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight.”
• Replace your outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights which tend to attract fewer mosquitos than ordinary lights. The yellow lights are NOT repellents, however.

What are these “Mosquito Misting” systems I have heard about?

Outdoor residential misting systems (sometimes called “mosquito misters”) are application systems designed to spray pesticides in a fine mist to kill mosquitoes and other insects outdoors. Misting systems include spray nozzles that are mounted around the perimeter of a home in the lawn and landscaping, or on parts of the house or fence. The spray nozzles are connected by tubing to a supply of insecticide. Some misting systems may be turned on at preset intervals using a timer. Others may be turned on using a remote controller, while others may be activated using a switch.

What are the pesticides that are used in these systems?

The insecticide products most often used in outdoor residential misting systems contain pyrethrins and permethrin. These products may also contain piperonyl butoxide. To be sure what type of insectide you are using, check the list of active ingredients on the container label.

Certain minimal risk pesticides may also be used in some misting systems. Although not regulated by EPA, states do regulate these pesticides. click here about any requirements or warnings you need to be aware of before you use the pesticide. EPA has not evaluated the potential risk or effectiveness of these minimal risk chemicals in misting systems.

Are these systems safe?

People and pets may be exposed to pesticides used in a residential misting system through direct contact with sprays, by touching plants or other objects in the treated area, or by inhaling small amounts of pesticide remaining in the air. EPA has assessed the human health and environmental risks of the pesticides most commonly used in misting systems. Most of these pesticides last only short periods in the environment, so long-term exposure to humans is not expected. Based on its assessment, using toxicity data and exposure estimates, EPA does not expect risks of concern to humans when these chemicals are used in outdoor residential systems according to labeling specific for use in these systems. However, excessive use or accidents may pose risks. No pesticide should be regarded as 100% risk free.

Since pyrethrins and permethrin are toxic to all insects, they may kill beneficial insects such as honeybees, ladybugs, butterflies and other non-target species. In addition, permethrin is very highly toxic to fish.

It is illegal to use a pesticide in a misting system if the pesticide label contains a prohibition against use in these systems.

All the systems serviced and installed by Hitman Pest Control will be set to dispense the pesticides at times when people and pets will be less likely to be present in the treated area according to label directions. These times can vary with each family but usually dawn and dusk time frames are used because of Mosquito behavior patterns and to acchieve the best results.

Give us a call or contact us for your free onsite evaluation and quote, start enjoying the fruits of your labor and take back your yard from these bothersome and dangerous pests.